His remarks reignited the controversy over Tipu Sultan’s legacy, with the BJP claiming the President’s address was scripted by the Congress government in Karnataka.

The contributions of 18th century ruler of Mysore were intensely debated last year as critics alleged the Karnataka government was honouring a leader who persecuted Hindus and Christians, and forcefully imposed Islamic Sharia law. The Siddaramaiah government has been celebrating Tipu Jayanti on November 10 since 2015.

The row was fuelled again last week after Union minister of state Anantkumar Hegde and BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje requested that the Karnataka government desist from sending them invites for Tipu Jayanti celebrations.

Many Twitter users claimed Tipu Sultan was a “brutal ruler” and the President was merely reading a script given by the Congress government. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has denied all accusations.

Others countered this view by asking if the BJP was questioning the “integrity” and intelligence of the President.

A look at the social media conversation:

Tipu Sutan ‘died’ a Hero, fine. But, look at how he ‘lived’. He fought the British, no doubt. But, was brutal towards the Marathas/Nizams.